Around 6000 years ago, Scotland was blanketed in an estimated 1.5 million hectares of native Caledonian Pinewood. Today less than 1% of this life-supporting habitat is left, in small and isolated fragments, scattered across the Highlands.

 

Pinewoods are culturally and historically important to the people of Scotland who have shaped and valued them over centuries. They’re also a critical refuge for some of our rarest wildlife – from microscopic lichens to charismatic capercaillie.

 

But Scotland’s Pinewoods are under threat. And in poor condition.

 

With intensifying climate and nature crises, it has never been more important to ensure our pinewoods are healthy and resilient.

 

The findings of the recent Caledonian Pinewood Recovery Project, the most comprehensive study of the health and resilience of Scotland’s ancient pinewoods in 60 years, revealed many of our pinewoods have never been so vulnerable. 

 

23% of remaining Caledonian Pinewoods are critically threatened.